Connect to Your Elder-Self
Recently there was an article published (CLICK HERE) about a Japanese community who decided to bring a different perspective to their town meeting. They had some heavy topics up for discussion, topics that would really affect generations to come (climate change, renewable farming, infrastructure, child care). Generations that logically couldn’t be present for the meeting, or so they thought.
To gain better understanding of how these decisions would affect future generations, they had half of the town arrive in ceremonial robes, representing the future residents from 2060. What happened was the current townspeople advocated for lifestyle changes that would be better in the short-term. While those from the future advocated for much more radical changes, because they were able to see the long-term results of not doing enough in the present.
The focus on the short-term is a lens that many of us don, without even trying on those long view glasses. When you’re making decisions, is it based on your current desires, pains and pleasures? What choices would you make, what stresses would you let go off, what current discomforts would you accept and what current comforts would you decline if you were able to consult your elder wiser self?
Thanks to the work I’ve been doing over the last year (PQ), I’ve found a way to access Elder Liz. When I need guidance and clarity in the now, I close my eyes, take several deep inhales and exhales, feel the warmth in my chest rise and visualize the place where my elder-self lives. She is usually wading in the swift river, with her pants rolled up, a content smile on her face and an air of ease and appreciation emanating from her. When she walks to me, there is no rush, and her steps are sure-footed.
I ask her the questions that I’m struggling with:
What action am I not taking?
What is it I truly want?
Does this paperwork really matter?
Most of the time, Elder Liz laughs and gives me answers like:
You are in the river of life. Stop swimming so hard when all you need to do is flow with the current.
You already know what you want dear, don’t be afraid of it.
Get the paperwork done, it matters and we both know you’re feeling the pain even when not doing it.
She then hugs me, gracefully stands up and walks back into the river. She stands mid-calf deep in the river, content in watching the dappled sunlight play across the ripples on the water.
I know this description may seem whimsical and phantastic, but my dear readers know that I am being vulnerable and sharing something that is real to me. I don’t care that I’m forty-one years old and still find comfort in make-believe. I don’t care that some may think this is all far-fetched and outlandish. I know that Elder Liz would give me a wink, giggle and say “maybe it is fanciful. Maybe we’ve always been a little out there, but honey, how do you feel when you seek me out?” When I spend time by the river, with my wisest council, I feel loved, hopeful and focused.
My hope is that this confession, has sparked you to ask, “what would your elder wiser self say”? What would someone who has been through all you have and more give you for advice? What would your elder-self wish for you to focus on now, and what would they want you to let go off? There is a deep well of insight and knowledge that lies within you, you just need to have the courage to ask.